The Trump administration decided to end a temporary residency permit that has allowed almost 60,000 citizens from Haiti to live and work in the United States since an earthquake shook the Caribbean nation in 2010. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

CNN anchor Anderson Cooper held back tears Thursday night as he described the corrupt government, lack of opportunity and harsh physical conditions in Haiti, but still criticized President Trump for reportedly calling it a "shithole."

"[I]'ve never met a Haitian who isn't strong," Cooper said. "You have to be to survive in a place where the government has often abandoned its people. Where opportunities are few and where mother nature has punished the people far more than anyone should ever be punished. But let me be clear tonight. The people of Haiti have been through more, they've been through more, they've withstood more, they've fought back against more injustice than our president ever has."

"Let me be clear.... the people of Haiti have been through more, withstood more, fought back against more injustice... than our President ever has" Anderson Cooper choked back tears as he reflected on his relationship with Haiti, and its people https://t.co/3arEalkKOM&mdash; Anderson Cooper 360° (@AC360) January 12, 2018

Cooper went on to describe the devastation in Haiti after the 2010 earthquake, visibly tearing up as he described how people had to use their hands to dig out a young boy who was buried in rubble for several days.

He ended by saying, "We hope they know that our thoughts are with them and that our love is with them as well."

The Washington Post, citing two anonymous sources, reported Thursday that Trump grew frustrated and lashed out at lawmakers in a private meeting over possibly restoring protections for immigrants from Haiti, El Salvador, and African nations that his administration plans to end.

“Why are we having all these people from shithole countries come here?” Trump said, according to the report.